20/20

If you liked "Network", "Trust" and "10,000 Days" - this album is right up your alley. A solid effort and not a stinker in the lot. One of the few albums from Saga where I don't have to uncomfortably ask myself: "why do I like these guys?" It takes a lot for me to write a review for any new prog.rock release, so I thought this was a worthy record warranting a comment or two. I didn't review Saga's last 2 albums with Sadler as I thought they were trying to channel Gentle Giant a little too much. "Human Condition" without Sadler didn't really sound like Saga to me(more like Spock's Beard). Although I enjoyed those albums("Trust" and "10,000 Days") tremendously, the Giant has been put out to pasture on 20/20. What we have here is Saga channeling the strong parts from "A Beginner's Guide To Throwing Shapes", "Behaviour", "World's Apart" and "Network". There's absolutely no dated sounding "electronic" drums and Ian Crichton puts on another ripping performance in the guitar department. 10 solid Saga tracks that will grow on you like a bad mold; but I like it that way. Michael Sadler in fine vocal form a la '80s and Jim Gilmour? You're one of the underrated keyboard greats with Downes and Kaye and you prove it on this "20/20" gem. Definitely a top 10 album for 2012.

4.0 stars for a solid Saga release. Welcome back, Michael.